The flames are already being stoked ahead of what could be a crucial Liverpool /Manchester United clash.

Both sides are chasing second place in the Premier League with the Red Devils enjoying a two point lead over the Reds, despite sitting 13 points behind runaway leaders and champions-elect Manchester City.

Mourinho, though, believes the clash with the Londoners pales in comparison to Liverpool’s imminent visit, writes the Liverpool Echo.

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte and Manchester United counterpart Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford

“It is any normal game and probably to play Liverpool in a couple of weeks’ time means more because for my club – and of course everyone knows the most important thing is not me – to play Liverpool really has a special meaning,” he said.

“That’s the way I have to look at things. I don’t have any bad feeling in relation to Chelsea to say: ‘Oh, I’m going to prove this and that against my former club.’